Oklahoma public accounting firms merge

Eide Bailly LLP has announced that Murrell, Hall, McIntosh & Co., PLLP (MHM), an Oklahoma City- and Norman-based CPA firm, is joining its regional public accounting and business advisory practice, effective Aug. 1, 2008, making the new firm one of the largest CPA firms in the state of Oklahoma. Eide Bailly is a Top 25 CPA firm in the nation; this union brings its total staff to more than 1,000, of which 137 are partners. The Firm's total revenues this year were $114 million. MHM adds more than $9 million of revenue to the firm, bringing the combined total annual revenue to more than $123 million.

"Murrell, Hall, McIntosh is a great match for our firm and fits well with our growth strategy," Jerry Topp, managing partner of Eide Bailly said. "Not only are our cultures very similar, both firms also have similar service philosophies." Steve Corley, managing partner of MHM, added, "Finding a culture fit was important in our decision to join the Eide Bailly family. We are excited to combine our practice with an established, highly-regarded firm and have access to numerous resources that will make our firm even stronger."

Bob Murrell, founding partner of MHM, agreed and noted another benefit of joining Eide Bailly is the larger pool of talent available to clients across all industries. "Our clients not only have access to their local service providers, but to more than 1,000 experienced professionals across the firm; we will be able to meet more of our clients' needs and broaden our business relationships," he said. "This growth also enables larger companies who have previously looked past Oklahoma for audit, tax and business advisory services to obtain these services locally." The combined firm serves nearly 35,000 clients across the nation.

Voted as one of the "Best Places to Work in Oklahoma" for three years in a row, Corley knows Eide Bailly not only takes good care of its clients, but also its people. "This is not only exciting for our clients, but also our staff," he said. "Eide Bailly is committed to learning and growth. The training opportunities available through Eide Bailly allow our staff to continually enhance their technical and leadership skills," Corley said. "Our staff will have many opportunities to develop their skills and specialize in specific service or industry areas—and to advance their careers. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Topp commented that becoming one of the largest CPA firms in Oklahoma gives the firm an advantage when it comes to hiring and retaining top talent. "This acquisition will benefit the state as a whole by giving local graduates a viable option to the Big Four firms and the opportunity for a rewarding career locally. Our size also allows us to attract and retain high-level professionals from across the region," he said. "MHM is well-known and respected in the community and we look forward to what we can accomplish together."

Eide Bailly provides a full array of services, including tax, audit and accounting services, as well consulting services, corporate learning, employee benefits, financial services, forensic accounting and investigative services and technology consulting. In addition to its new Norman location, expanded Oklahoma City location and existing Tulsa location in Oklahoma, the firm has offices located in Phoenix, Ariz.; Boise, Idaho; Dubuque, Iowa; Mankato, Madelia and Minneapolis, Minn.; Billings, Mont.; Bismarck and Fargo, N.D.; and Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, S.D.